I've been designing program and educating leaders for a while now for all sorts of organizations. And although there are differences among corporate organizations - the truth is the requirements for leadership aren't that unique. So when I was asked to handle leadership development for the Ateneo - I asked myself, is there really anything different about Jesuit leaders? Then this weekend, as I listened to Fr. Danny Huang, Fr. Ben Nebres and Fr. Jojo Magadia recount their experience with the election of the superior general, the kind of man Fr. Nicholas is, and their reflections of what needs to be done - it became crystal clear how different this brand of leadership is. True, some of the leadership competency requirements of Jesuit leaders are the same as that of other organizations but the culture of mission, discernment, temporary assignment to positions and obedience to His will requires more than knowledge and skill. It requires a certain kind of heart. Chris Lowney calls it Heroic Leadership but even that label doesn't seem adequate. Whatever, label we use - so moved was I that I composed the following prayer in the hope that one day, I too, can be the that kind of leader.
A Leader's Prayer
Lord, grant me
a servant heart that leads not for power or glory but in response to a call to serve others,
a grateful heart that looks at the opportunity to serve not as entitlement but as a gift,
an open heart that is passionate about one's beliefs but is willing to listen,
a simple heart that uses the tools and resources of one's role but can easily let go of power and position,
a humble heart that works with and acknowledges others knowing that the work is too big to do alone,
a discerning heart that can act out of conviction but dwells in silence to hear the Your word,
a pure heart that does things not for the recognition but simply because it is the right thing to do,
and
a heroic heart that dares to go to uncharted areas without fear and full of hope knowing I am doing Your work.
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AuthorFaculty of Industrial/Organizational Psychology Trainer, OD consultant, Researcher, Teacher, Mom, Wife, Archives
May 2020
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